Sports briefs for June 13, 2014

Sterling hiring investigators to examine NBA practices

Attorneys for former Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling are hiring private investigators to dig up dirt on NBA commissioner Adam Silver, former commissioner David Stern and the league’s owners, the Associated Press reported Friday.

According to the report, investigators were given a six-figure budget over the next 30 days to look into the NBA’s finances, allegations of previous discrimination and compensation to Silver and Stern. They are also reportedly examining if other owners made any off-color jokes, or racist or sexist remarks.

The NBA banned Sterling for life, fined him $2.5 million and forced him to sell the Clippers for making racist remarks. He agreed to sell the team but is suing the league over the ban and fine. His wife, Shelly, was given authority to sell 100 percent of the team to former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer.

Sterling reluctantly agreed to hire investigators following this week’s legal proceedings in a probate court. The NBA submitted a legal filing on Wednesday requesting a judge to confirm Shelly Sterling’s authority to sell the team.

Spurs’ Duncan, Popovich likely to return

Signs point to power forward Tim Duncan and coach Gregg Popovich returning to the San Antonio Spurs next season.

Speculation during the playoffs has centered around whether the two would be back should they win a fifth NBA title. ESPN reported that the 38-year-old Duncan has a June 24 deadline to opt in to his contract next season.

But the Spurs believe both Duncan and Popovich — win or lose — will stay next season. The contracts of Duncan, Popovich and guards Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili expire after next season. Parker makes $12.5 million and Ginobili $7 million this season.

Duncan and Popovich have refused the address their futures during the postseason. According to ESPN sources, Duncan’s opt-in date is earlier than most players to help the Spurs get a read on his plan before the June 26 draft and the beginning of free agency on July 1. But there apparently is some flexibility on Duncan declaring his intentions on whether he’ll exercise the option year of his contract.

Orioles minor league suspended for steroid use

Baltimore Orioles minor league right-handed pitcher Eduardo Gamboa received a 50-game drug suspension, the Office of the Commissioner of Baseball announced Friday.

Gamboa tested positive for exogenous Testosterone, a performance-enhancing substance in violation of the Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.

The suspension without pay of Gamboa, who is currently on the roster of Triple-A Norfolk of the International League, is effective immediately.

The 29-year-old Gamboa had yet to pitch in a major league game.

Anthony still committed to opting out

New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony intends to opt out of his contract and become a free agent next month, despite team president Phil Jackson’s efforts to keep him, according to ESPN.com.

Jackson is trying to convince Anthony to exercise his $23.3 million player option and delay unrestricted free agency until after next season.

Anthony reportedly has until June 23 to inform the Knicks if he plans to opt in or out of his contract.

Jackson has said that he hopes Anthony considers staying with the team another season but Anthony has publicly stated he plans to test free agency.

Texans’ Clowney has sports hernia surgery

Clowney, the No. 1 overall pick of the 2014 NFL draft, has been dealing with a groin injury. O’Brien said Clowney was evaluated in Philadelphia and the team decided the best option was surgery. He will miss next week’s mandatory three-day minicamp and is expected to return for training camp, which begins in late July.

O’Brien said Clowney had not been dealing with the injury for long. The Texans decided it was best to immediately address the issue, which was why surgery occurred Thursday.

“It was the best thing for J.D. and the best thing for our team and the best thing for our organization,” O’Brien said.